U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

'We love you America…'

'God bless America
The country that gave us Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
To the country that gave us Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin
Get out of your own way...'

When & Where
We started out in Tulsa in early May and almost thirty shows and performances later we finished up tonight at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, Tuesday July 3rd 2018.

Set List
'Gloria' returns to the U2eiTour show for the 15th time and wins the final battle for 5th spot for leg 1 - here's the set list.

Fan Reviews
John Noble (@_bigwave_ on twitter and in zootopia)
'I came here looking for American soul. I found some. Out here on sacred land on a Native American reservation. In a casino decorated with shining lights and signs and wonders, in a room with a few 'thousand other close friends and family'. Nothing should get in the way of the fan and the thing they are a fan of. Nothing here did. Nothing should get in the way of sharing some of the best times in your life with others who are fans of the same thing. Nothing did. Nothing stopped this from being the best day ever… I am aware that I have said that same thing pretty much every time I have been at a U2 show over the past 30-odd years, including, like many other fans this tour, after seeing the show in a number of cities in North America. What made this one special? Different? The setting. Weird. Like some kind of peyote-induced vision. Hard to reach. Fabulous. Intimate. Dangerous place for a compulsive gambler (we know that to lose is what we're here for, right?). I coped with that because more important things than winning a million bucks were here to tempt me. The hall inside the casino was like it was built to house the staging. Serendipity strikes again… Brilliant sound throughout the hall. Stunning visually. Breathtaking and mind expanding (no, did not partake in local cactus water). The mood. Last night of the tour… for a bit anyhow.. always is a bit special. Bono was chatty tonight, guards were let down a little… The whole band looked relaxed and on top form… smiles, poses, nods, gestures to each other and fans are all good signs we are having a special night. The set is set, pretty much, but loved loved loved the leg finishing up getting Gloria this time. That song stirs my soul. Every time. Other musical highlights for me were Desire (the singer really ripped into the lyric, fully aware of the casino setting, best version I have heard live of this for a good while), Acrobat (of course!), and the pairing of American Soul & City Of Blinding Lights (incredible visuals and sounds, a real centrepiece of the last-but-one section of the whole show. Hats off to the band and whole crew on this… the tightness of the performance is a about as good as it gets. If I could thank Joe O'Herlihy and Willie Williams personally just for this bit I would… in fact… I did actually bump into Willie and did just that…. and also ask him, amongst other things, how all this would pan out into the European leg… On that he said he was really looking forward to it, and of course there would be a few changes.. but what they might be, well we all gonna have to wait and see. Exciting. Lastly, to wrap this I have to say alongside and equal to actually being at a U2 show while they are playing on stage, just as great is meeting fellow fans, some of them friends, some of them enemies… all important… all relevant. One thing unites us. Well maybe 2 things. One is this band. Literally. Secondly, at this mid-tour break-point, is a feeling… that we may be near the end of something. It's real, but you know what, that fear is not winning the day. I think we all agree the band deserve some kind of break after all this passes… however long that is. But for now, we are just glad, I think, that we got a least one more leg to look forward to later in the Summer. After everything this American Soul version of the #U2eiTour has offered up, this European soul will be, God-willing, ready for what's next.
See you in Berlin, Bono, Edge, Adam, Larry and all the crew… happy 4th of July to you all. You. Are. Rock & Roll.

In The Press
Donnie Moorhouse for Masslive.com
'What better way to celebrate American independence than with an Irish band on Native American sovereign ground. U2 closed out its North American "Songs of Experience + Innocence" tour with a two-hour performance at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday night. Even with the little ironies of time and circumstance, the celebration made perfect sense. After all, Mohegan Sun continues to be one of the country's great live music venues, consistently pulling down industry accolades. It is no wonder that more and more star attractions are choosing to both start and / or end their tours there. And U2 may be the best American band available. These Dubliners are steeped in American culture, well-versed in American politics, and awash in American pride. Led by enigmatic frontman Bono, the rock quartet's performance was as immersive a concert experience as you will ever see. While the concert experience has become exhaustingly obvious, the U2 version is anything but. With a two-tiered hydraulic catwalk, blanketed in a floor-to-ceiling screen, stretching from one of the arena to the other, the audience was fully engaged. The performance wasn't something happening down one end of the hall. It was in front of you, behind you, and beside you.
The set started out sweetly enough with "Love Is All We Have Left," and immediately swerved into garage rock with the bombastic "Blackout." The band was spread out on the catwalk in a sort of linear in-the-round set up before walking back to the main stage for a raw take on "I Will Follow." Bono explained the set list as the story of the band in song and took the crowd on a journey with biographical songs like "Iris," and "Cedarwood Road." The group made its way across the catwalk to a second stage to deliver "Sunday Bloody Sunday." The song segued purposely and perfectly with "The End of The World," as the band turned its wall-of-sound approach into a sonic war zone with Larry Mullen's snare sounding like shots fired, Edge's guitar work the whirring bullets overhead, and Adam Clayton's bass the echoing of distant artillery fire.
The song ended with leaflets falling from the rafters that upon further inspection turned out to be torn pages from "Alice in Wonderland," and Dante's "Divine Comedy." Bono disappeared behind the screen for a moment and returned as his alter-ego "Mr. MacPhisto," the devilish character he first conjured up during the ZooTV Tour of the early 90s. He led the band through "Elevation," "Vertigo" (with a closing refrain of The Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)." He called on the Stones again as a prelude to "Acrobat," his MacPhisto character soliloquizing through "Sympathy for the Devil" as his on-screen face morphed grotesquely into satanic form."What a year it's been," Macphisto mused. "Lunatics on the left, lunatics on the right, and children in cages." Bono and Edge offered an acoustic take on "Staring at the Sun," while their cohorts manned stages at the side and back of the arena. When Edge moved to his own stage all four sides of the arena where in play as the band soared through "Pride (In The Name of Love.)" In what might be considered Bono's only overt political statement of the night (although he was stealthily subtle throughout), he cited "Wide Awake in America" the title of an early EP release. "It's never been more important to be wide awake in America than right now," he said. "The very idea of America is at stake." The band played "American Soul" in front of a colossal flag that stretched the width of the arena and closed the set with "City of Blinding Lights." The encore included "One," and "Song for Someone."

On The Socials @rcupworld (via Twitter) 'What an INCREDIBLE time it's been with @U2 on the #u2eitour in North America! Together, we disrupted thousands of single-use cups from entering the landfill and our environment. We'll cheers to that!'

@Hwy_Girl (via Twitter) 'An incredible North American leg of the #U2eiTour ! From rehearsals in #Laval to #U2MoheganSun thank you, @U2 for taking us to that city on the hill each and every night!'

@mackfisto (via Twitter) 'thinking back about how many incredible, unbelievable things happened for me and my friends this leg of the tour and hardly comprehending any of it. thank you, @u2, for all of it. #U2eiTour, you're one that'll never be topped'.

@squintyt4e 'U2 Last night in Uncasville, CT wrapping up the NA leg of the #U2eiTour - utterly amazing and powerful! My 10th U2 show and just as visceral and powerful as the 1st in 2001'.

What Did Bono Say?
“Hope you like our digital choir led by Jim O'Rourke and Madison Ryan Ward. If you want to part of that choir, we'll take you on the road… it won't be tomorrow, it won't be next week! It might be a few years… We'll take you to Europe if you like… Just go on one.org and #womenoftheworldtakeover …I'll show you how to record your voice …and you'll learn how poverty is sexist and thats what One campaign is working on at the moment. To all the One campaigners here, thank you for coming along on the road on the tour.”

“Thank you for letting us into your life
America. We love you America…”

If you were at the final show in New York, add your own photos and reviews here.

COMMENTS

THANK YOU for coming to our little state! My first U2 show was all the way back in 1985 in Hartford, CT and I was thrilled you brought the IE tour back to CT in 2018! Got my GA tix and had a wonderful spot just a few rows back from the stage just before my 50th birthday. KEEP ON ROCKING! Here's to many more great shows!

jojo1960

12 July, 2018

I desperately need help from fans who at

My husband and I purchased seats to this show from a big-time secondary-market vendor. They were Ticketmaster "TicketFast" copies that were labeled with "Must print on paper. Not valid for entry via mobile device." So we did. Our paper printouts were successfully scanned at the arena entry and we took our seats. About 10 minutes later, two other folks showed up and said, "You're in our seats" and produced tickets with the same section/row/seat numbers. Mohegan Sun ushers looked at both sets, deemed our tickets to be fake, and we were escorted out the door. (The first time this has ever happened to us in 40 years of concert-going. I, quite literally, was in shock and heartsick.) The MoSun box office would do nothing more than write "VOID" on our ticket barcodes with a Sharpie and said it's not their policy to give a written statement of denied entry. After contacting the vendor, they informed us that they refuse to refund our almost-$800 purchase because they examined the tickets and believe they're valid. I'm posting an image of my "valid" ticket. Upon really looking at them (which, of course, I should have done the moment they were emailed to us), they look VERY suspicious -- especially the one for Seat 11. (Seat 10 was more accurate-looking.) ANYONE out there who can post an image of their VALID TicketMaster ticket (with any sensitive personal info blocked out, of course)? I would truly appreciate being able to compare them with mine and help build my case for a refund from the seller.

ding

08 July, 2018

Adam & Bono - Mohegan Sun

I hope you enjoy this photo, thanks!

haneyu2

07 July, 2018

Great Memories

One of the best u2 concerts I have ever seen, seen them in the 80s Joshua tree concerts. This was more up close and personal at the Mohegan sun, my girlfriend has never seen them before and said they were great! I loved Bono's storytelling and how they came from humble beginnings . Also how he said he wouldn't be quarter of the musician he is today without the other guys in the band, he speaks from the heart and that's what people love. Hope to see them again in a couple of years and hopefully sooner!

Nate Dogg

06 July, 2018

Amazing

What an awesome show! I had a spot right on the rail of the b-stage. Seeing Acrobat played live right in front of me was something I will never forget. The show ranks up there as one of my favorites. An emotional journey from beginning to end. As Bono says, Experience is so much more fun!

JessLee

05 July, 2018

your disgusting!

That is what my children are telling eachother right now... (But I digress) I feel like it has been a 3 year interlude! I don't know how you keep doing it. And I don't want you to stop. AND where is "oridanry love"? I rocked that.

lipo65

04 July, 2018

Experience as a rally.

If you started this tour in Tulsa, as I did, and having just come off the Joshua Tree anniversary tour, you might have asked yourself what the Hell did I just see? If you committed to follow this entire tour, you might have further asked yourself, what the Hell did I just sign up for? Even as a companion to the Innocence Tour, this was not the usual U2 show. Bono brought no hopeful brunette on stage to dance with the band. His love of children didn't find him reaching out for a child to sing to , sing with or hand off a pair of sunglasses or guitar. Other than what the die hard fans lining up for the place at the Experience stage while Bono sprayed his water into that crowd , in a move that came to be dubbed as the baptism, there wasn't the usual interaction with the fans. Why was Bono talking into a mirror and not us? Oh pay attention. THIS show weeded out the Joshua Tree fans from the U2 fans. This show, if you stayed the course and paid attention was for US, and by US I mean the THE capital U and capital S. If you came on this tour or to even one show expecting to hear "streets" or begging for the set list to be changed up, you missed the point. This wasn't your Joshua Tree U2, this was the U2 that brought us a much needed rally. While Bono tells us the story is personal, he's right in that it's also classic . And universal , to us. While Bono went looking for his mother in Iris, American Soul sends us looking for our Mother Country that too many Americans don't know or even understand anymore. While the rest of the country is divided in a bitter debate over whether we should kneel or stand for the American Flag, U2, by and through four Irishmen, pay homage to the flag in a way unparalleled by most other Americans. with an American flag as large as the stadium rising behind him, Bono leads us into American Soul through a red white and blue megaphone, bringing ten thousand people to their feet, without even questioning it, in the most joyous and rock roll display of American patriotism you could imagine. This was America, the Idea. This show, this rally and this tour was a much needed experience, and rightfully named. Thank you.

sms_10

04 July, 2018

Summer of Love

Wow, just wow! From opening night in my home state to a quick trip to Omaha to the cross-country trip to Mohegan Sun for closing night - this has been an incredible summer watching my favorite band of all time delivering a message to US fans that we all really need to hear. As, a Native American woman, felt compelled to attend closing night at Mohegan Sun. I was not disappointed. The band and crew are so friendly and the fans really do create a community. They took me under their wing, offered me food and drink, let me stand in front of them at the coveted rail. Being that close to such wonderful musicians and seeing their crew still dancing 30 shows in was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you to everyone I met along the way!

garyquintana

29 June, 2018

Holy Moly!

Flying in from Los Angeles, and I got to see these Irish Lads before their European Leg. It was either NY July 1st, or CT. I chose Mohegan Sun Arena, Ya just don't know what will happen on their last concert here in the U.S. RZ2 here I come. I hear some fans on this post about political "rhetoric" well your gonna hear it one way or another and that's jamming. So looking forward to visiting CT. I heard great stuff about this venue as far as the sound and closeness to the artist that play hear. Looking forward as always to see U2 been a fan since 7th grade, note: I graduated HS in 92. Holy Moly! Sgt. Q US Army (Ret.)

Sprud

07 June, 2018

Lifelong Fan

Got my GA tix and am looking forward to seeing U2 again right here in my home state! I've been going to U2 shows since 1985, and even took a bucket list trip to Ireland to see you in Croke Park on the 360 tour. This show is just before my 50th Birthday and is my gift to myself! Keep on rockin' boys! Love your music, love your concerts and can't wait for the show!!

lowerthebasslevel

31 May, 2018

in reply to "small venue"

I voted for Trump. But I am fine with Obama too. You dont have to hate one to love the other.. I decided to finally see U2 this year. They are exactly my age. Thought I should see them once before they retire. I had a problem with them over the years..didnt care for/wasnt in the right frame of mind for Joshua Tree in 87..I wanted to rock, not think. As years went on, I also didnt care for, what I had read: U2 not performing all their hits starting with ZooTV, I didnt care for Bono spray painting graffiti & trying to pretend it was "art" (everything an artist does is not always artistic, sorry Bono), a little too pretentious at times. I could go on. But 30 years later, I am thinking more, but still want to rock...U2 does BOTH...and in a VERY ARTISTIC WAY...LIKE NO OTHER BAND. Hits are INCORPORATED into what feels more like a stage play, rather than "and here is another hit" type concert. Bono has established himself as one of the GREATEST LYRICIST, arguably THE GREATEST, of all time. Yes, as good as, arguably BETTER, than Dylan, Lennon, Morrison, early Sting..John Denver (yeah, John Denver). Yeah, they are rich, and dont understand everything...but I will excuse them for being human, incredibly talented,lucky and hard-working. U2 has opinions, spoken in their music and concert presentation. But, they dont get preachy and "know it all". I respect that and they do appear to respect that in others. I believe in god and country, but am not particularly religious. Took all three of my teenage kids to the 2nd show I saw in LA. As Bono once said "music is a sacrament. I can say, their show is truly a religious experience. Hopefully, they wont retire anytime soon and will redo the 360 concert format...2020???

JJT1239

06 March, 2018

Small Venue

This is a small venue for U2, which would make for an incredible show. Plus, would put me in good eyesight of Bono and The Edge to wear my Trump shirt and shove it up their.....Like U2, but tired of the rhetoric....